Bachelor of General Studies

Brigham Young University's Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program offers former BYU students who are no longer able to attend BYU and have been away from the university for some time an opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree from home. Applicants must have already completed 30 credit hours (exam credit excluded) at the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student and must abide by the Church Educational System Honor Code and receive an annual ecclesiastical endorsement. This program is not available to current BYU students.

Admission to Degree Program

Prospective students must complete an admissions application to the Bachelor of General Studies Office and pay a fee of $35. The BGS program is open to former students who meet all of the following criteria:

Have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of BYU on-campus credit in Provo as an admitted day student (exam credit excluded).

Have not completed any courses as a BYU day continuing student in the last two years or have already completed a minimum of 90 credits (exam credits excluded).

Have never completed a bachelor's or higher degree.

Are in good standing (academic, financial, etc.) at all universities attended.

Have a 2.0 or higher BYU and cumulative GPA. (If any academic disciplinary action—warning, probation, suspension or dismissal—has been taken against you, contact the BGS Office before proceeding with the application process.)

Will abide by the Church Educational System Honor Code and receive an annual ecclesiastical endorsement.

The Discipline

The bachelor of general studies degree is designed to help former BYU students utilize their previously earned credit as much as possible. The BGS uses the same BYU curriculum offered on campus and requires the same general education, religious education, and campus residency as on-campus degrees. Up to 90 of the required 120 credit hours may be earned through Independent Study. The major is general studies, with an emphasis in one of six areas of study. The emphasis adds a measure of specialization and can be completed in one of the following areas: American studies, English, family life, history, management, or psychology. The history emphasis offers both history and family history tracks.

Students may earn only one emphasis and do not have the option of creating custom-made areas of study. However, within the number of general electives available, students can utilize credit previously earned in a former major or choose to take courses in a particular concentration.

The BGS is a fully accredited bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. Students pursue this program for a variety of reasons. Some desire a sense of accomplishment—to complete a degree they began years ago. Others are looking for career advancement or to eventually pursue a postgraduate degree.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

The University Core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see here.)

At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student

A minimum of 120 credit hours

A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office

Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.